If Someday Comes: A Slave's Story of Freedom

by David Calloway

This is the true story of my Great-Grandfather George Calloway, a slave in Cleveland, Tennessee, before and during the Civil War. It is written as historical fiction, based on George’s life, and stories I heard growing up. It is a tale of determination, perseverance, and achievement.

George protected his family through war, famine, and plague; he risked his life repeatedly to protect his owner’s family, and thus his own wife and children.

More fact than fiction, George’s story has also been my journey, grappling with the humiliation of slavery; sorting through the many myths and false modern-day narratives, and discovering a long lost relative, I found that to understand America, you must first understand the Civil War. George was then, and remains, a hero of our family.

Genres: Historical Fiction

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2022

Reviews

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This caught my eye because of the author researching his genealogy. I do my own family, so I found this to be possibly interesting. As it happened, this was an interesting read. Mr. Calloway not only did the genealogy research, but the history context for the US, most specifically Tennessee. The writing format reminded me of what Alex Haley did with , as a biographical novel. He even included footnotes with laws passed, news, etc of that time period. I did learn something of history by reading this. Yes, there are some hard moments in the book. But, overall, the book held my interest and Mr. Calloway's writing shows the research that went into this book.

****I received this book in a Booktrib giveaway from the author in exchange for a fair review..****

[Eric Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Calloway was born into slavery in 1826. His mother was enslaved, and his biological father was the white owner of the Calloway Farms. At age twelve, George took his place with the rest of the black men and was expected to work like a grown slave. At eighteen, George was named the farm manager. Marsa Thom would remark that George could run his farm as well as any man. Marsa Thom would also comment to other white slave owners, “Why would I pay a man to do a job I could get done for free?”. That was the life George would live: he was capable and trusted but still enslaved. George married and fathered children. He was a good son and brother. He helped build a church for his father-in-law and was well-known and respected around town, but until 1866 he was enslaved.

If Someday Comes: A Slave’s Story of Freedom by David Calloway is the historical fiction of the life of his great-grandfather, George Calloway. As a white man reviewing this book, I found it very eye-opening. Calloway’s book covers the final nine years of slavery as a legalized institution and includes accounts of the American Civil War as it impacts the town of Cleveland, Tennessee. Calloway wrote his book from the stories he heard growing up. Most of this novel is based on fact. The people, actions, and places are all based on fact. Calloway admitted to embellishing details when information wasn’t readily available. For a large part, it’s a historical account of a troubled time in American history and the lives of his relatives during that time.

This is an essential read. While this may be a historical tale of one man, the overall picture one gets of that time is important in keeping history alive. Calloway does not white-wash the facts. He only dresses up the mundane to keep the story going. Accounts from people who lived the events should never be discounted just because they don’t offer a comfortable, feel-good story.

It is not a broad history of that time but an in-depth look at one person’s experiences. This book is for readers looking for a more accurate view of true history. With the stories coming from his own family, Calloway is able to provide a more personal account of the events. Readers need to acknowledge that this era in the U.S. is not that long ago. George is only one generation removed from himself. 150 years is not that long of a time, and family memories are still fresh.

[Victoria Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calloway has done a beautiful job of taking us into the lives of an enslaved family in the years leading up to and during the Civil War in Tennessee. Basing his story largely on facts drawn from his own ancestors' experiences and thorough painstaking historical research of that time and place, he effectively brings these people to life for us and offers what many readers may find surprising in the relationship between one particular slave owner and his offspring.

[Anita Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent excellent book.

The character development is outstanding. As a reader, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The research which must have gone into the writing of it stuns my mind. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Everyone who is interested in either the Civil War or African American history needs to read this book.

[Sandra Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

so realistic, hard to read at times

One of the best books I’ve ever read about what it was like in the Civil War for slaves, white families, troops. Typhus, starvation, betrayal, treachery. Family against family. Loyalty. Generosity in the midst of nothing. The worst of men. The best of men.

[Carolyn C.]

I enjoyed reading this book for the most part. I kept thinking something terrilble would happen to George, which kept me engaged. There were many highs and lows throughout the book. It was a good read. However, I was disappointed in the ending. I think George should have been better rewarded for all he did for his "White" family.

[Terri White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!

This is one of the best books I've read about the Civil War from the slaves' view. That it is a true story makes it even more fascinating! Well done, and I loved seeing all the old photos, letters and records!

[Barbara A. Lassiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating history

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the lives of pre-civil war blacks as slaves and their complex relationships to the slave owners who fathered many of them.

[Savannah River · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eloquently written

A fabulous account of a very intelligent man, in spite of his circumstances, rising silently above society’s expectations. I purposefully slowed down my reading, savoring every word.

[Kasey Statum · Rating 5 out of 5]

good story but long

Interesting. The Civil War years seemed to drag on. He got a lot of details about the split families and towns/ counties that many people leave off when writing about the Civil War. That was excellently depicted.

[Toby T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Local history revealed

I thoroughly enjoyed this book on home county and town. I knew of the story of Cleveland during the Civil War through my stepmother. Her family, the Standifers, were tormented by Billy Brown.

[sandra stinon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

A. Very good book. I couldn’t put it down. If you like to read about the civil war this is a must read.

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thus was an insightful book for me. The historical basis was helpful in understanding that time period. The horrors of war may change focus but the outcomes are what we are left.